Paying monks contradicts Buddhist code

Source: The Straits Times Forum Page A18, 7 Apr 2009
Letter by: Angie Monksfield (Ms), President, Buddhist Fellowship Singapore

The Buddhist code of discipline states that monks and nuns cannot accept money for themselves, or instruct someone else to keep it for them to spend as they like or to invest in businesses, financial instruments or properties. They are also not allowed to buy and sell things for themselves using money.

The intent of the rules was to set renunciants apart from the majority of people, and thus, become a constant reminder to all that a life based on materialism is not the only way to live.